Interview with Filmmaker Honey Lauren (WIVES OF THE SKIES)

WIVES OF THE SKIES was the winner of BEST FILM at the September 2020 Female Directors Film Festival.

What motivated you to make this film?

I wrote this script several years ago and it was a semi-finalist at the Slamdance Scriptwriting competition… I had an offer to make it back then but I decided to wait. Then about a year and a half ago, I was in Berlin, visiting a producer/ manager I was working with… We were in the process of attaching a director to one of my feature scripts and she really encouraged me to direct instead attaching someone else…. I had directed two shorts and my last one was qualified for an Academy Award. I knew I couldn’t at that time raise the money for that feature but the offer still stood for me to make WIVES OF THE SKIES… I felt motivated to do it and work with certain cast and crew that I would want to work with on my feature. I thought this was a good way to see how we all work together. And it was an awesome experience!

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

Once I committed to make the film, it took several months to find a block of time and organize… maybe eight months because I was off shooting a feature and some of my cast and crew were shooting… Once we set the date, I worked three months pre production, nonstop!

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Sexy & Sweet

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

That’s a great question… Some of the post production was very challenging. We didn’t have tons of money to make the film and I learned a whole lot about where I would spend my more of my budget next time. Ultimately it all worked out but I lost a little sleep for a few weeks. It was a great learning experience.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Gratitude! I was so blown away by this process. I was so grateful that these wonderful people took the time to watch the film and talk about it and put thought and energy into it. It was such a gift. I wish to thank each and every one of them and you for creating such an amazing venue. I’m a huge fan of your festival! I let my filmmaker friends and fam know about your unique festival.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

Gosh, it’s always hard for me to answer that question… the ideas come to me in such a mysterious way… And at times I wonder myself. That said, I was introduced to this vintage, collectible, 1965 stewardess uniform, culture… There are a whole slew of people who collect these uniforms! So… they’re highly collectable… mostly by men and this fascinated me! I knew there was a story there!

What film have you seen the most in your life?

It’s a tie really…. Abel Ferrara’s BAD Lieutenant (And every Abel Ferrara film) and TOMMY, the rock musical!

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I really love FilmFreeway…. I used to use Withoutabox and FilmFreeway is actually way better. It’s faster and the info seems to be updated in real time and it’s super user friendly. And what a great way to learn about all these festivals all over the world.

What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

I would have to say most Goo Goo Dolls songs… IRIS, BLACK BALLOON…. I’m a huge Johnny Rzeznik fan and his music makes me cry… Like a thirteen year old groupie! … I adore THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS by Traffic… That song puts me in a trance… And if course HORSES, Patty Smith, my hero and ZIGGY STARDUST… of course, thank you, David Bowie!

What is next for you? A new film?

I’m also an actor and I played the title role in a feature that will be released soon called, SWEET TASTE OF SOULS… I loved the cast and crew on that film and am still in touch with them. I also had the honor of working with Paul McCarthy, several times and his latest film NV, NIGHT VADER will be coming out as well… I’m working with producers to get one of my features made and I’m just finishing a novel I’ve been writing during the contagion!

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